Water

We brought instructions for self-chlorinating water for Cruzcal's use and discussed them with him. He showed us elaborate plans for a health clinic that appeared to be prepared by an Engineer but they were for a facility that would be too expensive for Armenia's purpose. Cruzcal asked us if we would help with lay-out plans for a clinic on a 20 by 30-ft pad, which we said we would. After our discussion about the clinic and water situation we asked if he would show us the well he would like to use for the community.

There were two wells, both hand dug. One well was not protected and is apparently only used for washing. The other well was protected but very shallow. The water surface was only about 10 or 12-ft below the surface. We retrieved some water using the rope and bucket. The water appeared a little murky with a slight septic odor. At that point Dale and I decided we should retrieve a sample to see if the water could be treated to a point that is potable. We walked to the village store to buy some bottled water with the plan to use the bottles to collect a sample. On the way a young 10-year old girl, Iris, connected with us. She was full of questions and wanted to know what we were doing. When we told her, she indicated that her Grandfather's (Santiago Morales) well was better. She asked if we would collect a sample, which we agreed to do with Santiago's permission. Santiago did not understand English, so Iris acted as our interpreter. The discussion between Iris and Santiago appeared to be slightly heated but Iris indicated we had permission. We proceeded to his well to retrieve water, which Iris did quickly, but Santiago followed and appeared to be upset. Dale then asked Iris directly exactly what Santiago said. Santiago was afraid that we would sample and condemn his well. When he learned that we had no intention of condemning the well, he suddenly was very happy and was interested in how we could help. We promised nothing but indicated we would get word back to him concerning the water quality. Iris was a very sweet, outgoing and intelligent girl and we enjoyed her company for at least an hour while we were in Armenia, learning about her family and how well she was doing in school.

Doug